English Language and Literature MA

The English Language and Literature MA explores the interconnections between language and literature. Our course will provide you with a thorough understanding of the linguistic features of English from a wide range of perspectives (theoretical and applied, synchronic and diachronic), as well as leading you to explore a wide array of texts in connection with the social, historical and political circumstances from which they emerge. It will also equip you with the intellectual perspectives and scholarly skills to conduct independent research.

The MA is for you if you've taken English language and/or literature modules at undergraduate level, or studied allied disciplines such as TESOL. It's of particular interest if you're wishing to pursue further study, or if you're teaching English and wish to gain a further qualification and investigate current developments in the field.

If studying the degree full-time, you'll complete 180 credits in one academic year. If part-time, you'll normally complete 180 credits in two academic years. You'll study five core modules (including a 60-credit dissertation on a topic of English language and/or literature), as well as two modules from the list of options. The two core modules Writing the Self, and Themes and Problems in Modern and Contemporary Literature examine classic and contemporary critical texts on literature in relation to history, the visual image, gender, psychoanalysis and post-colonialism while exploring issues such as life-writing, autofiction, embodiment, biography, memory, otherness, and the non-human. The two core modules Multilingualism, Concepts and Applications, and English Worldwide examine linguistic variation and contact in English and other languages from a wide range of perspectives, both historical and present day.

Careers:

Studying our MA will give you sophisticated analytical skills and a widely applicable knowledge base, which will enable you to study at MPhil or PhD levels.

Our course prepares you for a variety of careers involving the study and use of language and literary texts, particularly in the creative and cultural industries.

A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant subject (eg English language, English literature or TESOL). Applicants may be required to attend an interview (either face to face or via Skype). Applicants are required to submit one academic or professional reference. If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster.